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Department of Community and Human ServicesLeadership Team

Kate GarveyKate Garvey is the Director of the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Under the guidance of the Assistant City Manager, Ms. Garvey directs the DCHS Center for Administration, the Office for Strategic Initiatives and Communications, and the Centers for Adult Services, Child and Family Services, and Economic Support. These programs employ more than 650 staff with a budget of $89.5 million. Ms. Garvey joined the City of Alexandria in 2014. She came to the City from Montgomery County, MD, where she served as Chief of Youth and Family Services/Social Services Director. Prior to her tenure in Montgomery County, she served as Executive Deputy Director for the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Ms. Garvey may be reached at 703.746.3400. E-mail: kate.garvey@alexandriava.gov

Suzanne T. ChisSuzanne Chis is the Deputy Director for the Department of Community and Human Services, the Director of Social Services and the Executive Director of the Alexandria Community Services Board. In this role, Ms. Chis has oversight and responsibility across the Department for all social service programs and all mental health, intellectual disability and substance abuse programs. She provides direct supervision for the Center for Adult Services, the Center for Economic Support and the Center for Children and Families. Ms. Chis began working for the City in 1983. She may be reached at 703.746.5700. Email: Suzanne.chis@alexandriava.gov

Deborah Warren, LCSW, DCSWDeborah Warren is the Deputy Director of the Center for Children and Families in the Department of Community and Human Services. In this capacity, Ms. Warren has oversight of service delivery in the divisions of Early Childhood, Youth Development, Child Behavioral Health, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Child Welfare, and the Children's Services Act. Ms. Warren has been with the City of Alexandria since 1985. She may be reached at 703.746.3400. E-mail: deborah.warren@alexandriava.gov

Carol Layer, LCSWCarol Layer is the Deputy Director of the Center for Adult Services for the Department of Community and Human Services. In this capacity, Ms. Layer has oversight of service delivery in the divisions of Aging and Adult Services, Clinical and Emergency Services, and Community and Residential Support Services. Ms. Layer has worked for the City of Alexandria since 1991. She may be reached at 703.746.3500. E-mail: carol.layer@alexandriava.gov

Currently Vacant

Deputy Director of the Center for Economic Support in the Department of Community and Human Services. Responsibilities include oversight and coordination of public benefits, community services and employment services. May be reached at 703.746.5940. E-mail:

Currently VacantDeputy Director of Administrative Services. Leads Quality Assurance, Information Technology Services, Finance and Program Evaluation. May be reached at 703.746.3400. E-mail:

Raphael Obenwa (Photo coming soon.)Raphael Obenwa, Fiscal Officer III, leads the DCHS Finance Team. He joined the City of Alexandria in 2015. He can be reached at 703.746.3677. E-mail: raphael.obenwa@alexandriava.gov

Jeff BollenJeff Bollen is the Human Resources Manager. He joined DCHS in 2013. Mr. Bollen supports the Department’s managers in ensuring that employee matters are addressed appropriately. He coordinates the efforts of the HR team in recruitment, employee relations, timekeeping and other employee-driven needs. He may be reached at 703.746.5665. E-mail: jeff.bollen@alexandriava.gov.